Melasma or hyper-pigmentation? What can I do to clear all these blotches from my face?

Went for a photofacial to remove an age spot from my cheek. Did 3 sessions to my whole face since I had a few freckles. First round my skin was flawless. 2nd visit I had burns eveywhere. tech said my skin was more "sensitive" since I went while menstruating. Third didn't really do much. A year out I started getting blotches on my skin. I have since started taking birth control, mononessa 28. So did the burns cause this; hyperpigmentation, or the birth control; melasma. Or both? what can I do?

Doctor Answers 5

Melasma or hyper-pigmentation? What can I do to clear all these blotches from my face?

March 14th, 2016

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Thank you for your question.

It is difficult to say what cause your problem. At this time it appears that you do have melasma and hyper pigmentation. It is difficult to get rid of completely but Q- Switched Laser treatments and Chemical Peels can help you a lot. You also should be very careful with sun exposure using mechanical protection as well as the sunscreen for UVA and UVB lights

Melasma and treatments available.

March 14th, 2016

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More info on the video link below. (WEB REFERENCE)
Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment
are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even
the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The
mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4
hours.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for
melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I
usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks
after they commence on creams.

In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other
cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help.

Melasma to cheeks.

March 9th, 2016

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In looking at your photos, I would say in my opinion it appears to be Melasma. A great treatment you could do would be the Permea laser by Solta. With ANY laser for pigmentation, I always recommend pre-treating for at least 4 weeks with a Hydroquinone product. We have had great success using Dr. Zein Obagi's new line ZO's Melamin in the AM and Melamix mixed with Retin-A in the PM. Also, it is imperative to use a good sunscreen daily.

Melasma and lasers for Dark Skin NYC

March 7th, 2016

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It would be best if you could post photos before the laser and after. Currently you seem to have Melasma on the skin and I would recommend stopping the birth control pill if possible and having Cosmelan or chemical peels to treat your skin. I would not recommend laser with your skin type. I have had amazing results with your skin type and pigmentation with Cosmelan. Best, Dr. Green

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.